i'll try and get hold of acrylic as it is much easier then glass to work with, but just in case i can't i already have a nice glass plane, ready to be cut up ...so... anyone know if homebase do good acrylic?

Are you doing your own aquarium construction ? Or, are you just looking for just seeking a person to build it? A small low flow pump with the use of vinyl tubing could be the answer. You can use the water flow to double as a mechanical filter via a DIY canister and return it with some more clear vinyl to make a grid like pattern. Drill small holes in the "grid". Attach it to a glass canopy so it moves out of the way for maintainance/feeding. This should give you the effect you want, Me thinks.

The Aquarist formally Known as : PB, AKA****, If my legs Rambled as much as my mouth I could circle the earth daily.

Use good quality masking tape (in the US painters use a blue colored type) that peels away easy. Use it to "border" your seams. After you apply the sealant and before it sets up, pull away the tape to make a clean caulk line. If you have lightweight glueing clamps, that would be great to hold things together. If not a good lashing strap or 3, the kind with a ratchet or buckle will work. Of course not to tight to break the glass. Strong tape is good also, except for clean up. Allow it to cure for 2 weeks before adding water, then 2 weeks with water for silicates to leech out, somewhat. Are you going to have a frame? I have been experimenting with acrylic for a sump type filter but haven't quite gotten the hang of it. I have been able to cut it nicely but any flaw in squareness is unforgiving when assembly starts. So far 2 leekers . I'll find my way eventually.

The Aquarist formally Known as : PB, AKA****, If my legs Rambled as much as my mouth I could circle the earth daily.